It’s your own commercial or personal elevator pitch. You could be at a job interview, starting a new role, attending a networking event, or giving a presentation. A self-introduction explains who you are and what you do. It’s how you answer those tell me about yourself questions. We practice self-introduction in our professional and personal lives all the time. However, few of us are as polished as we could be.
This post covers all you need to know about self-introduction. We share tips and tricks to ensure your self-introduction is powerful and impressive. And we also include some examples you can adapt for your personal use. We have got you covered, whatever the context.
Self-Introduction: Essential Dos and Don’ts
Several essential dos and don’ts apply to self-introductions in any situation. Regardless of whether your self-introduction is verbal or in writing, make sure you take on board the following tips.
1. Keep It Conversational And Natural
The best tip is to ensure your self-introduction is authentic and natural. Imagine you are talking to a person and use the same language you would if you were in conversation. You don’t want to look like you are reciting a speech or composing an essay. Sure, you want to be prepared, but delivery is vital to making a genuine connection.
2. Think About Your Audience
Adapt your self-introduction to suit the context. The introduction you give when pitching to a client will be different from the one for a new team of workmates. The key points may well overlap, but the delivery and detail will vary. Keep your self-introduction relevant to the audience.
3. Be Brief
Try to resist the temptation to include every accomplishment and career milestone in your self-introduction. Sticking to the highlights only has more impact. And it also means your audience doesn’t have to listen to a 10-minute monologue or wade through pages of text.
4. Focus On Your Contribution Rather Than Job Title
Many of us fall into the trap of defining ourselves by our job titles. So what if you are a Project Manager? Job titles don’t really mean much. Instead, focus on what you do, your contribution, and the problems you help solve.
5. Prepare
Whether you plan to give your self-introduction in person or in writing, work out what you want to say in advance. Writing your ideas down helps you identify the key points and ensures you don’t forget anything. And it gives you a template that you can use for future self-introductions.
Self-Introduction In An Email
You may reach out to a contact, inquire about a job, or pitch your product or service. Email is still the number one form of business communication. Here are some best practice tips for a self-introduction email to someone you don’t know.
- Make the subject line count. If you want your email to be opened, then include a strong subject line. Keep it professional, brief, and informative.
- Personalize your greeting. Be sure to include the person’s name. Using ‘Dear Sir or Madam’ can come across as lazy, whereas taking the time to research the company says a lot about your commitment.
- Explain why you are writing. Cut to the chase and make it clear in the opening sentence what your purpose is. Chances are the recipient is busy, so keep it as brief as possible.
- Include a CTA. Be upfront about what action you would like the recipient to take. Be specific and make your request politely. It could be a request for information, the best time to call or setting up a meeting.
Email Self-Introduction To Client Template
This template sets out a self-introduction to a client.
Subject Line: [insert recipient’s name], can I take two minutes of your time?
Hi [insert name]
We are [insert a summary of your company], and we understand [address recipient’s pain point]. We have worked with similar companies for the past five years, including [insert one or two names]. And we have helped them to achieve [identify the top benefit]. I know that we can help [insert company name] as well.
If this sounds good, then I’d love to chat with you in a five-minute call. I’m available [insert a couple of dates and times]. Does this work for you? If not, let me know, and we can fit in around your schedule.
If this isn’t on the priority list at the moment, no problem, I understand completely. Thanks for your time.
Regards
[Your name]
Self-Introduction For Interviews
There are no second chances with a first impression. Your body language has just as much impact as the words you say. So, when you greet the interviewer, be confident and have a smile on your face. Look the interviewer in the eye and make sure your self-introduction covers the following points:
- Who you are. Start your self-introduction with your name, where you are from, and brief personal background.
- Your professional experience. Summarize your career and highlight a couple of achievements.
- Your educational and professional qualifications. Provide a brief outline of your academic or professional qualifications and any relevant training.
- Your hobbies and interests. Mention a couple of hobbies and interests – personal and professional. This way, you will come across as a more rounded person.
Rehearse your self-introduction beforehand with a trusted friend, partner, or even in front of the mirror. A practice run will help you finetune your delivery and gives you more confidence going into an interview.
Interview Self-Introduction Template
Hi, I am Brad Williams, and I come from San Diego in sunny California. For the past four years, I have been working as a digital marketing manager. I’ve been a part of the SEO Marketing team at ABC Marketing for three years now. And before that, I worked at XYZ.
I have a degree in marketing from Berkely and have also completed several SEO certification courses. My knowledge and experience cover on-page and off-page SEO as well as content marketing tools. I’m particularly proud of my contribution to [include example].
Outside of work, I enjoy cooking for friends and family. Colleagues have raved about my pecan pie!
I believe that I am the right candidate for this role with the required skills and experience. I can help expand your online reach and presence across different media channels.
New Employee Self-Introduction Email
When starting a job, a self-introduction email to your new team helps you make a great impression. Although meeting everyone in person is ideal, it’s not always possible in distributed teams. A friendly self-introduction in those first few days paves the way to solid working relationships.
Hey everyone,
My name is [your name], and I have just joined the team as the new [job title]. Although I’ve met a few of you already, I haven’t yet had the opportunity to meet everyone. This email is to introduce myself and share a bit of the work I’ll be doing.
As the [job title], I will be looking after [insert your responsibilities]. I’d like to share some details about my background and experience. [2-3 sentences about your experience].
Outside of work, I love to keep fit and so if anyone is interested in a lunchtime walk or run, then let me know.
Don’t hesitate to swing by my desk and say hi! I look forward to getting to know all of you.
Regards
Your Name
How To Introduce Yourself In Team Chat
Business IM is now standard for many companies. A self-introduction on team chat is your opportunity to be more casual. It’s OK to use emojis or even a bit of humor. Doing so reveals some of your personality and helps you connect with new teammates. Here’s an example you can adapt and put your own stamp on.
Hi everybody. I’m the new kid on the block & have just started as [insert job title]. If you see me around, say hi! 👋 I’m excited to be here & looking forward to getting to know you all. 😊
Self-Introduction In A Presentation
Perhaps you are pitching to a new client. Or maybe you are sharing your expert knowledge with a group of industry professionals. Presentations are part and parcel of our daily work. And the same principles we have identified for self-introduction apply here as well:
- Summarize your professional standing: Give a brief introduction to who you are and what you do.
- Provide more detail on your experience and achievements: Keep the details relevant to your audience. For example, if presenting to industry colleagues, provide information that confirms your authority in the subject. And if you are introducing yourself to a potential client, talk about your products and services and how you can help the audience.
- End by leading into the purpose of the presentation: Finish your self-introduction by referring to the presentation’s purpose and the CTA.
Here’s an example of a self-introduction to use in a presentation.
Good morning. My name is Janice Long, and I’m the VP of Finance at Long & Smith Investing. Finding smart ways to save money is my passion. And I believe the key to securing your financial future is developing sound money management strategies as early as possible. I started using these strategies as I worked through college. Now, I have over $15 million in my retirement fund. And that amount continues to grow. Today, I will share with you my strategies so that you can look forward to a similar retirement fund.
Self-Introduction Sample For A Networking Event
If mixing and mingling at networking events bring you out in a cold sweat, then the following example will help.
Hi. My name is Brad Townsend, and I’m chief product engineer at Good Line Technology. We’re developing innovative apps designed to streamline sales activities for busy business owners. I’d love to hear about your needs in this area. And I’m recruiting local businesses to get involved in testing our app. Would you be keen to get involved?
Self-Introduction: Main Takeaways
These tried and tested tricks of the trade will ensure your self-introduction packs a punch no matter the situation. Here’s a handy summary of what we have covered:
- Be mindful of the context: Adapt your self-introduction to suit the context. And make it relevant to the audience.
- Keep it brief: Focus on the highlights only. Too much information will only go against you. And develop a bond by using conversational language.
- Plan and prepare: Work out what you want to say and practice on a friend or colleague in advance.
- Build rapport: Don’t make it all about you. Think about what you have in common with the audience and use that to develop a connection.
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